Munster and Leinster need key men fit for crunch clashes

AT the final whistle, despite the hostilities of the previous 80 minutes, they shook hands and went their separate ways, safe in the knowledge they had helped each other in their quest to advance to the Heineken Cup semi-finals.

Both were also aware their paths may cross again before the season concludes.

While Leinster had more cause to celebrate after Friday’s Magners League win, and look in better shape than their southern counterparts on the eve of two incredibly demanding quarter-finals, Munster will also have learned plenty from a physically bruising encounter that offered a perfect dress rehearsal for the visit of Northampton on Saturday.